‘Honor killings’ kill more than just women
WISE is deeply disturbed by the recent “honor killings” and murders of three women across the globe. We condemn the notion of “honor killings” and raise our voices to bring attention to the ethnic and gender divisions within the Muslim community where women are often the first to perish. These brutal murders kill more than just the victim, they destroy the foundation of our households, breaking down our spirits and communities apart. It is imperative to recognize the growing gender violence in our society in order for us to take the first step forward in dismantling systematic violence against women.
Yesterday Indian Muslim 19-year-old Celine Dookhran from Kingston, UK was found murdered in an “honor killing.” Dookhran and another female were kidnapped and raped, where Dookhran’s body was found butchered and stuffed in a freezer while the surviving female managed to escape. Dookhran was an inspiring makeup artist and dating an Arab Muslim, a relationship which was heavily disapproved by her family.
On June 13th, 17-year-old Henriette Karra was murdered in an “honor killing” in Ramle, Israel by her Christian father. Henriette’s father forbid his daughter from dating her Muslim boyfriend whom she intended to convert to Islam for after moving out.
We ask community members and esteemed institutions to publicly and continuously condemn all heinous acts proclaimed as “honor killings”, which persist in the vicious cycle of “restoring honor.” Now more than ever before, it is crucial that we come together to mourn our women, acknowledge why they were brutally murdered and recognize the lack of safe spaces provided in our communities for women facing physical fear.
We also recognize intimate partner violence as this past week 55-year-old Muslim mother, Djamila Requieghmuda, from Bay Ridge, Brooklyn was kidnapped and murdered by her ex-husband, who later committed suicide. Community members have launched a GoFundMe page to provide financial support to the victim’s three surviving children.
In our current lifetime, 1 in every 3 women experiences physical or sexual violence. With more than 70% of women facing gender violence, 50% of female murders worldwide are due to intimate partner conflicts. We call to action all of those who have a voice and we ask you to raise your concerns by calling on your community to recognize these gender based crimes. We are committed to fighting all forms of violence against women and we aim to serve as a resource and outlet in our society.
At this time we request that mosques, community spaces, and service institutions commit to creating safe spaces for women, especially as these cases may be particularly triggering.
If you or someone you know is a victim/survivor of gender based violence and/or is feeling triggered by these recent murders and suicide, the follow are important service providers in the NYC area and nationally: TP for Women and Families (718.886.9500), Arab American Association of NY (+1718.745.3523); National Domestic Violence Hotline (1800.799.SAFE) and National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1800.273.TALK)
